Celebrating International Women’s Day – Beatrice Cosgrove

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, RAD Magazine asked just a few of the women who are having an impact in the medical imaging industry to give an insight into their working lives and what led them to a career in the imaging sector.

I spent the early years of my career working in commercial roles in the aviation industry in Ireland and in Europe, and I absolutely loved it. The industry provided an exciting lifestyle with lots of travel and new experiences. But I felt the need for change – I wanted to work in an industry where I could make a difference to people’s lives. I chose healthcare due to it being inherently people-centric, focusing on helping individuals when they are often at their most vulnerable.

When I joined Philips in 2018, I started as the district manager for Ireland, which was a huge learning curve for me. While I was very comfortable in a commercial management role, I was well outside of my comfort zone when the conversation moved to MRI, CT or image-guided therapy with our customers. After four years, and lots of learning, I transitioned to my current position as business manager for imaging in the UK and Ireland, managing the MRI, CT and DXR portfolios. I have learned that my team and I need curiosity and a willingness to adapt; we’re constantly working to bring new technology and better ways of working into the healthcare system, and that requires resilience. As the healthcare landscape evolves, so must we.

When I joined Philips, more than 50 per cent of the management team were women and as I look to the future, I see the role of women in healthcare continuing to evolve. I believe that diversity in leadership will be key to shaping the next decade of innovation and progress. We need to ensure that everyone – regardless of gender – has equal opportunities to contribute and lead. My hope is that we’ll continue to break down barriers, not only for women but for all individuals, so that everyone can have a voice in the decisions that shape the future of healthcare.

I have been fortunate to have had several mentors throughout my career who have had a significant impact on both my personal and professional growth. At Philips, mentorship is something we value deeply and we have a formal programme that connects mentors and mentees at all levels of the business. I’m now proud to give back by mentoring several colleagues, helping them navigate their own career paths. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I have two young boys and it is incredibly important to me that I’m there for their key events – football matches, school concerts etc.

Philips is supportive, offering flexible working arrangements that allow me to balance my professional responsibilities with my family life. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had so far, and I am excited for what lies ahead. My journey in healthcare has been one of growth, learning and making a difference and I feel privileged and grateful to be part of a business that aims to provide better care for more people.

Beatrice Cosgrove, imaging business manager UK and Ireland Philips UKI.

Read this report on page 12 of the February 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.

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